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Sustainable Merch Summit – Free Registration Now Open for “Why It Matters LIVE”

TREVOSE, PA – May 28, 2025

Registration is now open for Why It Matters LIVE: Sustainable Merch Summit, a two-hour free virtual event on June 10 at 1 p.m. ET, designed to empower print and promotional products professionals with actionable education, industry insights and sustainability strategies.  Brianna Mazze, vice president of compliance and sustainability for SRG (asi/84595), a Counselor Top 40 supplier based in Canada, will be a panelist at the summit.

Co-hosted by the Advertising Specialty Institute® (ASI) – the leading global authority in the $26.6 billion promotional products industry – the Branded Merch Network, Apparelist publication and the 2 Regular Guys podcast, the groundbreaking summit will feature expert-led panels, real-world case studies and in-depth discussions focused on sustainability innovation and environmental responsibility.

Register now for Why It Matters LIVE.

What to Expect

  • Live panel discussions and keynotes: Industry experts will share insights into sustainable business practices that drive profitability and environmental impact.
  • Actionable strategies: Learn practical steps for integrating eco-friendly merchandise, responsible sourcing and transparency in operations.
  • Expert-led conversations: Gain knowledge from sustainability pioneers shaping the future of branded merchandise, print and apparel.

Featured Speakers

Theresa Hegel, ASI executive editor, special projects and sustainability, will moderate the panel “Real Merch. Real Impact. Why Transparency Matters,” featuring:

  • Ben Grossman, co-president of SwagCycle/Grossman Marketing Group (asi/215205), ASI Promo for the Planet advisory board member and member of the Counselor Power 50 list of the most powerful people in the promotional products industry
  • Brianna Mazze, vice president of compliance and sustainability for Markham, Ontario-based SRG.
  • Michele Dando, senior vice president of supplier relations for Facilisgroup (asi/475998)

Additional panels include:

  • “Why Certification Matters – Understanding the Standards,” moderated by Cassie Green, senior content editor for the Apparelist, a PRINTING United Alliance publication dedicated to the decorated apparel industry
  • “Sustainability Sells – Good for the Planet, Great for Business,” moderated by Jay Busselle, a branding expert with over 30 years of experience in branded merchandise and apparel decoration

Why Sustainability Matters

“Sustainability is no longer optional – it’s essential,” said Timothy M. Andrews, ASI president and chief executive officer. “With nearly half of consumers feeling more favourable toward brands that offer eco-friendly promo products and distributors seeing increased demand for socially responsible merchandise, ASI remains committed to providing the education, tools and resources needed to drive meaningful change in our industry and the world at large.”

ASI Sustainability Commitment

ASI is a leader in promoting sustainability within the promotional products industry. Its national award-winning Promo for the Planet platform, launched on Earth Day 2022, continues to provide updated resources, including:

  • Glossary and certifications: A newly refreshed guide to sustainable terms and industry certifications
  • Sustainability news and insights: Spotlighting key stories to keep professionals informed
  • Watch and learn: Regularly updated sustainability-related videos, including Promo Insiders episodes
  • Industry action tools: Practical resources for recycling, donating, and reducing waste in branded merchandise
  • Do-Gooders Directory: A curated list of corporate social responsibility initiatives and sustainability-driven suppliers and distributors

For more information, explore the refreshed Promo for the Planet resource site or contact Theresa Hegel at thegel@asicentral.com.

About ASI

The Advertising Specialty Institute (ASI®, asicentral.com) serves a network of 25,000 suppliers, distributors and decorators in the $26.6 billion promotional products industry. The company’s flagship product, the technology platform ESP®, manages the industry’s entire supply and marketing chain. ASI also produces award-winning digital and print content, live events and educational programs that enable companies in 48 countries to be more efficient, productive and profitable. The ASI media and research operation provides the most authoritative business content in the industry, and the ASI Certification Program features more than 200 live and online education courses for industry professionals. The company, family-owned since 1962, is proud to be consistently ranked among the “Best Places to Work” in Philadelphia and Bucks County, PA.